South Africans planning to travel today are being urged to think twice before hitting the road as heavy snow, rain, ice, and strong winds disrupt travel across several parts of the country.
South Africa is in the grip of a particularly harsh winter spell, and for motorists, this is more than just a case of grabbing a jacket before leaving home.
Heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, rain, mist, and icy roads have already caused road closures, stranded motorists, and difficult driving conditions in parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, and Mpumalanga.
The government has urged the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel in areas affected by severe weather. It has also warned that road conditions can change quickly, meaning a route that is open in the morning could be closed later in the day.
If you are travelling between provinces today, these are some of the routes you need to know about.
KwaZulu-Natal: N3 and mountain passes remain a concern
The N3 between KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State is one of the biggest travel concerns.
Recent reports have indicated closures and severe delays around the Estcourt, Harrismith, and Van Reenen Pass areas, while the entire N3 route is being closely monitored because of rain, snow, mist, freezing temperatures,s and possible black ice.
N3 Toll Concession has warned motorists that conditions become particularly dangerous after dark, when freezing temperatures, poor visibility, and icy surfaces can make already difficult driving conditions worse.
There have also been reports of:
- Van Reenen Pass: Extremely hazardous because of black ice.
- R617 between Kokstad and Underberg: Closed after a truck became stranded at Kingscote, with traffic diverted towards the R56.
- R74 at Oliviershoek Pass: Closed between Harrismith and Bergville.
- R74 towards Greytown/Colenso: Closed at Santa Maria because of heavy snowfall.
- R103 and Tugela Toll Plaza: Closed because of severe weather.
- Lions River to Nottingham Road: Very difficult driving conditions, with traffic moving slowly.
There is an important warning for people using the N3: do not assume that an earlier road status is still valid. The situation has been changing throughout the day, with some sections being cleared and others becoming unsafe again.
N3TC says motorists should slow down, increase following distances, avoid unnecessary overtaking,g and allow extra travel time.
Eastern Cape: Snow is causing serious disruptions
The Eastern Cape is currently one of the worst-affected provinces, particularly in the high-lying areas.
The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snowfall, with heavy snow expected in parts of Emalahleni, Sakhisizwe, Senqu, Elundi, ni, and Matatiele. The snowfall could cause major traffic disruptions and temporarily cut off some communities.
Several important routes have been affected.
Reports indicate closures on:
- N6 Penhoek Pass, between Komani and Jamestown.
- N9 Lootsberg Pass, between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg.
- R58 Barkly Pass, between Elliot and Barkly East.
- Boesmanshoek Pass, between Sterkstroom and Molteno.
The situation on the N6 and Barkly Pass has already resulted in motorists becoming stranded.
Daily Dispatch reported that around 15 motorists were rescued after becoming trapped on the Barkly and Penhoek passes. Some vehicles were unable to move because of slippery conditions, while local farmers used tractors and 4×4 vehicles to assist rescue teams.
Penhoek Pass was later cleared with graders, but authorities have warned that conditions can deteriorate again as snow and rain continue.
Where is it snowing in the Eastern Cape?
Snow has been reported across several high-lying parts of the province, including:
- Barkly East
- Mount Fletcher
- Senqu
- Elundini
- Matatiele
- Parts of the Chris Hani district
- Parts of the Sarah Baartman district
Mount Fletcher was reported to be covered in snow on Tuesday morning, while Barkly East experienced heavy snowfall that left motorists trapped. The government has specifically asked people not to travel simply to go snow-chasing.
That might sound like a harmless weekend adventure, but when emergency teams are already dealing with stranded motorists, extra traffic on snow-covered roads can make the situation considerably worse.
Free State: Snow, sleet, ice, and heavy rain
The Free State is also experiencing difficult winter driving conditions.
SANRAL has reported heavy snowfall along parts of the N1 between Edenburg and Springfontein, while snow has also been reported along the N6 between Reddersburg and Smithfield.
The R702 between Dewetsdorp and Wepener is icy, while rain on the R34 between Welkom and Kroonstad has raised concerns about localised flooding.
These routes have been reported as open, but authorities have warned that temporary closures could be introduced if conditions worsen.
Around the N3 corridor, sleet and rain have been reported between Warden and Mooi River, while snow has covered areas around Swinburne. Emergency teams have been applying brine to roads around Van Reenen to reduce the risk of black ice.
Mpumalanga: Snow and ice on some routes
Mpumalanga has not escaped the cold front.
The Long Tom Pass on the R37 has been closed after vehicles became stranded on slippery inclines.
The N4/N12 split has remained open but hazardous, with emergency services reporting crashes amid poor visibility and wet, freezing road surfaces.
Around Belfast, Dullstroom, and Roossenekal, light snow and heavy sleet have affected roadsides, creating the possibility of icy patches.
Freezing rain and icy conditions have also been reported around Volksrust and Ermelo, with strong crosswinds creating an additional risk for high-sided vehicles.
What about Gauteng?
For Gauteng motorists, the picture is slightly different.
There is no widespread snow lying on the ground in Johannesburg this morning, despite the freezing temperatures many residents woke up to.
The province is, however, experiencing cold and wet conditions, with scattered rain expected. Drivers should be prepared for slippery roads, reduced visibility, ty and very cold temperatures.
So, if you were waiting for Johannesburg to turn into a winter wonderland, it may be best not to cancel your plans just yet. The bigger concern for Gauteng motorists is the combination of rain, cold temperatures, poor visibility,ity, and traffic.
Where is snow falling right now?
The current winter system is affecting a number of high-altitude areas.
Snow has been reported or is expected in parts of:
Eastern Cape: Barkly East, Mount Fletcher, Senqu, Elundini, Matatiele, and other mountainous areas.
KwaZulu-Natal: The western highlands and Drakensberg areas.
Free State: Some high-lying areas along the Lesotho border.
Mpumalanga: Parts of the highveld, including areas around Belfast, Dullstroom, and Roossenekal.
Western Cape: Snow has been reported in mountain areas, including around Franschhoek Pass and Mont Rochelle, while light snow has also been forecast around Beaufort West.
Heavy rain is another travel problem.m
It is easy to focus on the snow because it is more unusual, but heavy rain could be just as dangerous for motorists.
Mpumalanga is expected to experience widespread rain, while KwaZulu-Natal and parts of the Eastern Cape are also seeing significant rainfall.
Gauteng can expect scattered rain, while the Free State could see showers, particularly in the eastern parts.
Wet roads mean longer stopping distances. Add poor visibility, fog, ice, or a driver travelling too fast for the conditions, and a normal trip can quickly become dangerous.
Motorists should also never attempt to drive through a flooded road or bridge simply because another vehicle has managed to get through.
Should you travel today?
If your journey takes you through a snow-affected mountain pass, the safest option may be to delay the trip until conditions improve.
This is particularly important if you are travelling through:
- Van Reenen Pass
- Penhoek Pass
- Barkly Pass
- Lootsberg Pass
- Oliviershoek Pass
- Long Tom Pass
- Other high-lying roads affected by snow and ice
The government has stressed that road conditions can change rapidly. A road that is open now can be closed if snowfall increases, while closed roads may reopen once emergency teams have cleared them.
In other words, don’t rely on yesterday’s WhatsApp message telling you that the road is open. Check before you leave.
If you absolutely have to drive
For South Africans who cannot postpone their trip, a little preparation can make a big difference.
Before leaving:
Check the road first. Look for updates from SANRAL, provincial traffic authorities, N3TC, SAWS, and local disaster management teams.
Fill up. Do not start a long winter journey with the fuel light already on.
Charge your phone. Keep a power bank or car charger with you.
Pack warm clothing and blankets. If you become stranded, the temperature outside can become a serious problem.
Carry water and something to eat. A journey that normally takes four hours can take much longer when roads are closed or traffic is diverted.
Check your tyres, brakes,s and windscreen wipers. Wet, icy,cy and slippery roads leave little room for mechanical problems.
Slow down. There is no prize for arriving 20 minutes earlier if the road conditions are unsafe.
Keep a safe following distance. Give yourself considerably more room to stop on wet or icy roads.
Avoid unnecessary night driving. Darkness makes it harder to see ice, snow, flooded sections, pedestrians,ans and stalled vehicles.
And most importantly, never drive around a road closure barrier.
The bottom line for travellers
South Africa’s winter weather is making travel difficult across some of the country’s busiest routes, with the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal currently among the hardest-hit areas.
Snow is affecting mountain passes, rain is creating slippery and potentially flooded roads, and freezing temperatures are increasing the risk of black ice.
For anyone planning a trip between Johannesburg, Durban, the Eastern Cape, Free State, or Mpumalanga, check the road conditions immediately before leaving and again during the journey.
The weather may be beautiful to look at, but a snow-covered road is not a sightseeing opportunity when emergency crews are already rescuing stranded motorists.
If the authorities say don’t travel, it is probably a good day to stay home, put the kettle on, and wait for the roads to become safer.
Road conditions and weather warnings can change quickly. Travellers should continue checking official updates from SAWS, SANRAL, provincial traffic authorities, N3TC, and emergency services before and during their journey.
